Exploring the Artistic Legacy of Daniel Ridgway Knight

In the realm of 19th-century art, Daniel Ridgway Knight stands as a notable figure whose work continues to delight art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Knight's unique approach to depicting rural life, his masterful use of light and color, and his skillful brushwork left an indelible mark on the art world.

This blog delves into the life, art, aesthetic, and the collectibility and value of his works. We hope to shed light on the enduring allure of his creations. Those who are interested in collecting art and admirers of artistic beauty alike can learn by exploring the artistic aesthetic of Daniel Ridgway Knight.

A Glimpse into the Life of Daniel Ridgway Knight

Born in 1839 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Daniel Ridgway Knight was a 19th century American painter whose artistic talents were evident from an early age. He honed his skills at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later under the tutelage of renowned French artist Charles Gleyre in Paris. The exposure to the French art scene deeply influenced Knight's artistic direction, especially in the realm of impressionist painting.

Rehs Galleries, Inc. of New York is compiling research on Knight’s life and work in preparation of Daniel Ridgway Knight’s catalogue raisonné.

Capturing the Essence of Rural Life

Dedication to portraying the rustic beauty of peasant life in France characterizes Knight's oeuvre (collection of works). Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on grandiose themes, Knight found inspiration in the mundane, capturing the everyday moments of rural life in art.

His works often depict peasant women engaged in routine activities such as tending to fields, working in gardens, or simply enjoying leisurely moments. This emphasis on ordinary life sets Knight apart and lends his work a sense of genuineness that resonates even today.

Aesthetic Brilliance and Technique

Knight's mastery of light and color is one of the defining aspects of his impressionist artistic ability. His talent in infusing his canvases with the play of sunlight filtering through leaves or dappling across landscapes is truly remarkable.

This technique not only adds a realistic dimension to his paintings but also evokes a sense of tranquility and warmth. His brushwork is precise yet emotive, capturing the subtleties of expressions and textures.

The fusion of these elements creates a visual harmony that is distinctly Knight's. It also helps aficionados understand the influence of Knight's realism and impressionism on modern artists.

What are Impressionism and Realism?

Impressionism is a painting style that depicts the visual impression of a moment in time. The Impressionist art movement originated in France in the 1860s and is most known for the shifting effect of color and light through use of paint.

Artistic Realism attempts to portray the painted subject matter honestly, truthfully. The artist works to capture reality by avoiding unnatural or artificial elements. By Daniel Ridgway Knight capturing rural life in 19th century art, he embodied the Realism movement.

Collectibility and Value of Daniel Ridgway Knight's Works

The collectibility and value of Daniel Ridgway Knight’s paintings remains robust over the years. Art collectors recognize the timeless appeal of his pieces.

His focus on everyday life and his ability to convey emotions through his subjects make his paintings resonate across generations. His ability to capture a fleeting moment, immortalizing it on canvas is what draws collectors to his works.

Knight's paintings fetch substantial sums at auctions, underlining the enduring demand for his art. His "Picking Flowers" has a price realized of $137,500 at Sotheby’s, reflecting the enduring appeal of his work.

An assortment of Daniel Ridway Knight’s paintings (some with Christie's and Sotheby’s provenance) are part of Black Rock Galleries’ Fall Exceptional Auction series in 2023.

Such works of art include:

Daniel Ridgway Knight (American, 1839-1924), Oil on Canvas, "Noonday Repast"
Item #251238

“Noonday Repast" wonderfully presents Knight’s raw artistic ability to embed fine quality details into every square inch of his masterpiece. The family party consisting of mother, baby and a young boy are painted with fine level details and crisp brushstrokes leave the viewer gazing in wonder. The painting is signed and inscribed Ridgway Knight / Paris in the lower right corner and presented in an exquisitely carved and gilt finished frame.

The paintings provenance includes:

• → Mrs. Jane P Mcneely, Philadelphia, PA; M Knoedler & Co., New York, Stock No. 12737, February 27th 1912 - $900.00;

• → J J Gillespie & Co., Pittsburgh, PA, November 29th 1915 - $1,600.00;

• → Dr and Mrs E A Weissner Jnr. Pittsburgh, PA;

• → Anon (purchased Sotheby's New York, October 7th 1977 Lot 194 - $13,500 titled "Noonday Repast III");

• → Christie's, New York, February 15, 1994, 19th Century European Paintings - Drawings and Watercolors, Lot # 77, Hammer price $85,000.;

• → MacConnal - Mason & Son Ltd., London. A gallery label on verso from MacConnal - Mason & Son Ltd., reads: "DANIEL RIDGWAY KNIGHT / (1839-1924) / "NOONDAY REPAST" / SIGNED AND INSCRIBED PARIS."

There is also a gallery label with provenance to the verso which did not include the most recent Christies, 1994 sale data which has now been included.

Daniel Ridgway Knight (American, 1839-1924), Oil on Canvas, "At the Well"
Item #251176

Daniel Ridgway Knight (American, 1839-1924), Oil on Canvas, "Beneath the Apple Tree"
Item #251211

Knight's "Beneath the Apple Tree" presents a figure of a maid wearing working attire. Her hair is pulled up and back. She appears to ponder life as she stands by the riverside with a jug for fetching water. Her right arm and clenched hand supports her chin. The naturalistically painted landscape is in full bloom, with flowering trees and tall wild grasses abutting the river at its bank.
The painting is signed "Ridgway Knight / Paris" to the lower right corner and presented in an impressively carved and gilt finished frame.

The painting's provenance includes: Sotheby's, New York, Oct. 29, 2002, 19th Century European Art, Lot # 127, Hammer Price $75,000.

Daniel Ridgway Knight (American, 1839-1924), Oil on Canvas, "Fishing"
Item #251210

"Fishing" is marvelously painted in Daniel Ridgway Knight's acclaimed naturalistic style. The work depicts two women in a row boat. The lead woman appears in a standing pose with fishing rod cast out into the body of water that also reflects the boat. Naturalistic brush and fauna can be seen behind them indicating their small rowboat being near the bank of the body of water. The painting is signed and inscribed "Ridgway Knight / Paris" to lower right hand corner. It is presented with a thin linen filet and exceptionally carved and gilt finished frame which has been set with a brass plaquard denoting the work as being "Daniel Ridgway Knight / (1839 - 1924).

The work's provenance includes: Sotheby's, New York, June 6, 1997, American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture, Lot # 80, Hammer Price $26,000.

The market for Knight's paintings remains stable. His pieces continue to find homes in private collections, galleries, and museums throughout the world.

Legacy and Influence

Daniel Ridgway Knight's legacy is multi-faceted. His commitment to portraying the simple joys of rural life and his technical prowess have left an indelible impact on art history. His art influences subsequent generations of artists who explore similar themes, striving to capture the beauty in everyday moments.

Knight's dedication to authenticity and his ability to transcend the ordinary set a standard that continues to inspire.

Daniel Ridgway Knight's art continues to captivate enthusiasts with its celebration of the ordinary, its mastery of light and color, and its ability to evoke genuine emotions. His legacy lives on through his meticulously crafted canvases that offer a glimpse into a bygone era and an enduring connection to the beauty of rural existence. As collectors and art enthusiasts appreciate the timelessness of his creations, Knight's place in the annals of art history remains secure.

Disclaimer: Past prices and market trends are subject to change. Past prices are not predictive of current nor future market values.